James Jackman

James Joseph Bernard Jackman VC (born in Dublin 19 March 1916 - 26 November 1941), was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

He was 25 years old, and a Temporary Captain in The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, British Army during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 25 November 1941 at Tobruk, Libya, the assault on El Duda ridge was being slowed down by fierce enemy fire from anti-tank guns and Captain Jackman as calmly as though on manoeuvres, led his machinegun company to ease the situation on the right flank of Allied tanks. Then, standing up in his vehicle, he led the trucks across the front between the tanks and the guns and got them into action on the left flank. His coolness and disregard of danger not only inspired his own men but also the tank crews. He was killed next day.

He was killed in action, El Duda, Tobruk, Libya, North Africa, on 26 November 1941.

The medal

Jackman's medal found its final home at his alma mater, Stonyhurst College, on permanent loan from his late sister's family.

References

Listed in order of publication year
*The Register of the Victoria Cross (1981, 1988 and 1997)
*The Irish Sword (Brian Clarke 1986)
*Irelands VCs ISBN 1-899243-00-3 (Dept of Economic Development 1995)
*Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
*Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)

External links

* [http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/theartofwar/valgal/valour/INF3_0442.htm Captain J.B. Jackman] in "The Art of War" exhibition at the UK National Archives